Syrian forces kill at least 50 in ‘abhorrent attacks’ on its own people

Syria’s ambassador in London has been called to the Foreign Office so the British government can make clear its ‘abhorrence’ at the violence in the country, with at least 50 people reportedly killed following a sustained attack on rebel city Homs.

An explosion in Damascus, Syria (Picture: AP)

William Hague today condemned President Bashar Assad’s “doomed” and “murdering” regime in a strongly worded Commons statement on the crisis.

The Foreign Secretary was also highly critical of China and Russia for vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at ending the bloodshed.

He said: ‘We will use our remaining channels to the Syrian regime to make clear our abhorrence at the violence that is utterly unacceptable to the civilised world.

‘The Syrian ambassador to London was today summoned to the Foreign Office to receive this message.’

Syrian forces launched a fresh wave of attacks across several of the city’s districts today in what has been described by one activist as the ‘most violent bombardment’ in recent days.

The latest wave of attacks comes after more than 200 people were killed in one of the worst scenes of violence in the 11 month uprising against President Bashar al-Assad.

David Cameron’s spokesman said there were still ways to make progress through the UN – such as raising Syria in the General Assembly – but indicated that the UK was now concentrating on alternative courses of action, such as sanctions by the European Union.

A burning portrait of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev during a protest in front of the Russian embassy in Kuwait City (Pcture: Getty)

‘The tally that we have received from various activists in Homs since the shelling started at six this morning is 50, mostly civilians,’ revealed opposition group leader Catherine al-Talli.

Foreign Secretary William Hague told the House of Commons that the Syria’s ambassador in London has been summoned to the Foreign Office (Picture: PA)

‘The regime is acting as if it were immune to international intervention and has a free hand to use violence against the people.’

While one activist revealed: ‘ This is the most violent bombardment in recent days.’

Meanwhile Foreign Secretary William Hague has criticised Russia and China’s veto of a UN resolution condemning Mr Assad’s regime, claiming the nations would now ‘have blood on their hands’ as the country moves closer to civil war.

Opposition forces, whose resistance has been minimal during in the attacks, have been angered by the decision to veto the resolution.

Britain has also come under pressure from Tunisia who has called for the diplomatic recognition of Syria to be withdrawn and for the closure of its London embassy.